Horizon Vision

Invasive blackchin tilapia severely damages Thailand's waterways and local fisheries. While affected communities sue CPF for damages, the government has failed to implement effective containment plans. Urgent action is needed to protect local fish and shrimp populations before it is too late.

Amid a volatile global economy marked by fragmentation, Singapore is positioning itself as Asia's super-connector. It offers predictable pathways and services, helping global firms navigate regional expansion and strengthen trade in the new world order.

Philippine Defence Secretary Teodoro urged allies to boost defense spending, stressing that security is a shared burden. He blamed China’s expansionism for regional tensions and defended military exercises in the South China Sea.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth's presence signals a strategic shift in US policy towards Asia. The focus is on acting as an offshore power balancer, promoting regional partnerships while actively discouraging any single country from achieving dominance.

The article details a tension at the Shangri-La Dialogue. While the US advocated for military spending and alliances, Timor-Leste's President countered that dialogue is key to peace. Southeast Asia prefers diplomacy and cooperation over an arms race or hardware focus.

Ramos-Horta argued that global leadership has failed, citing devastating wars. He stressed that ASEAN offers a model for peace through "patient practical diplomacy." Dialogue and cooperation are essential to uphold the rules-based international order.